SS   in this spot... what about a riff?

SS   lemme try a solo real quick.

You absolutely shred the hell out of your guitar, all while sitting casually. No big deal.

SS   heh. how was that?

BK   pretty good.

SS   but what about the song?

SS   should i add it in or no?

BK   you dont have to ask me permission.

BK   if you want more time in the spotlight, be my guest.

You groan. Not the response you were looking for.

SS   maybe i wasnt asking you for permission blockhead.

SS   maybe i just want a collaborative music experience.

SS   is that wrong?

BK   no, i get it.

BK   but youre the musician. you know whats best.

SS   were both musicians! its not like youre just ticking the ivories.

SS   give yourself some damn credit bernie.

BK   whats wrong with just letting you take the lead?

SS   as your leader im asking for your take!

BK   bah.

BK   fine.

BK   i think that was a sick riff, and you should totally add it.

SS   yeah?

BK   also, wow, susie, did you do your makeup different? you look like a goddess.

BK   you can never have too much eyeliner. especially in the areas not even close to your -

You throw your guitar pick at her.

SS   go to hell.

She catches it without blinking.

BK   you first.

You spend the rest of the session finishing up this iteration of the song, as well as discussing the drafts for future ones. You're always the most productive talking aloud, bouncing your ideas off of someone else.

You first came to know Berenike through Joan. Some kind of physical therapy gig after a crowd surf went wrong. You accompanied her on a whim, and here you are. It's weird, now, how much her words mean to you. And how much you trust her enough to tell her as much.

SS   hey.

BK   hmm?

SS   dunno if it matters but i thought id say it.

SS   you are a musician.

SS   even if its part-time. or just a few times.

SS   youve definitely done the work to be called it.

At first, she looks confused. Then, she sighs, leaning on the arm of the sofa.

BK   gods, you mean...

BK   i didnt mean it in a big way.

BK   i wasnt saying that im not worthy.

BK   i just meant that youre better at these things than me.

BK   and your gut is usually right.

BK   its true. you know that.

SS   heh. well yeah.

SS   but you know i dont bring you here just to be my yes man.

BK   is that right?

SS   im not messing around. i dont.

SS   not just here.

SS   in general.

SS   you think id do all this with you if you were a pain in the ass?

SS   im doing this because i give a shit about you in all this.

Joan always sang with a band. Some of your favorite artists were group acts. You thought you were above it all, and you tried the solo act. And as much as you loved the attention, the control... this is pretty nice, too.

SS   so like. tell me if you have ideas.

SS   if they suck ill tell you.

SS   trust me. ill beat your ass if theyre offensively bad.

BK   hah.

BK   suze, youre sweet.

BK   and any other day, id take you up on that offer.

She rubs her eyes. Even when she's dead tired, she never misses a practice session. You almost wish she'd call out, just so you don't have to see her make those pained expressions when she stretches.

She's only a few years older than you, but she already seems so grown-up.

BK   ive just had a long day.

BK   nothing personal, promise.

SS   oh.

SS   ...

SS   sorry if i was being weird then.

SS   bringing it up like that.

BK   its alright.

BK   im glad you told me what was on your mind.

BK   ill tell you whats on mine later.

SS   another trash client?

BK   gods, the worst one, in fact.

BK   him and his damn ideas... i couldnt believe that hunk of metal could...

A lot of your hang-out sessions consist of complaining about the different 'guys' you encounter. Some of her stories far surpass yours. Fitness instructors must get the craziest customers to leave her this winded.

BK   ...anyway. this is the break i need.

BK   so thanks. for this.

SS   yeah.

SS   and if you need a break then...

SS   screw practice. you wanna get something?

BK   what, to eat?

Her eyes light up, but her mouth thins.

BK   i shouldnt.

SS   why not?

BK   ive been trying a recent diet called 'not snacking'.

BK   its truly a willpowers gambit.

SS   stuff the gambit.

BK   what happened to hearing what i have to say?

SS   youre vetoed. lets go.

BK   wow.

BK   im the one with better health, but my position can be overriden?

BK   doesnt sound so benevolent all of a sudden.

SS   fine. you can override one music-related take.

SS   thats a coupon you have now.

SS   as the superior musician im bestowing it on you or whatever.

You stand up, navigating around the mess of instruments and paper on the ground. When you look back, she's matching your grin and following you.

BK   on your honor.

SS   duh.

SS   you wanna shake on it?

BK   ...

BK   no.

BK   i know youll keep your word.

SS   like hell i wouldnt.

BK   bah hah.

BK   youre going to regret it when the next album is about different greco-roman folk heroes.

SS   oh absolutely.

SS   you goddamn nerd.

SS   but we can workshop it.

SS   they had killer battles and stuff.

BK   hah! you have no idea.

SS   dont start. save it for when youre using your coupon.

BK   im considering doing it now ~

You talk all the way to that Mamilov bakery and use some of your merch money to buy a brown sugar fudge cake. It's not your favorite, but she loves it enough for the both of you.